Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dental Lab Technicians Towards Infection Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dr. BHARATH MARLECHA R; Dr. RATHIKA RAI; Dr. HELNA SALAM

Volume : IX, Issue : VII, July - 2020

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dental Lab Technicians Towards Infection Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dr. Bharath Marlecha R, Dr. Rathika Rai, Dr. Helna Salam

Abstract :

Background: Dental Auxiliaries, particularly the dental lab technicians have a high risk of cross-infection of COVID-19 due to the risk of inhalation of aerosolised particles while handling dental utilities. Aim: To assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Infection Control during COVID-19 pandemic among dental lab technicians. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using google forms among dental lab technicians. A total of 109 lab technicians participated in the survey. The questionnaire checked regarding the knowledge, attitude and practice of infection control measures: use of gloves, aprons, receiving and disinfection of impressions, webinars on COVID19, past experience of hepatitis B vaccination, etc. Data obtained was analysed using SPPS IBM software version 19.0, Chicago. Results: The overall response of dental lab technicians towards the infection control was poor. Over 60% revealed that they carry the impressions in plastic cover and 66% answered that the impressions received were kept on the table. Almost 58% agreed that they did not receive manual of infection control amidst the pandemic. Over 42.3% agreed to not disinfect the received impressions. More than half, answered that they felt communication gap between dentists and lab technicians. Mere 14% agreed to disinfect the articulators, finishing and polishing instruments, etc. whereas only 15% used the necessary PPE while working. Majority of 79% agreed to not have attended webinar on infection control measures amidst the COVID-19 and only 40.4% agreed to disinfect the prosthesis before dispatch. Only 36.6% agreed to have a past experience of hepatitis B vaccination. Conclusion: It is important to improve the knowledge, attitude and practice of the dental lab technicians towards infection control through continuing education programs.